Cat lovers are advocating trap, neuter and release programs, but animal control officers say killing the cats is the only way to solve the problem.

Tensions are running high in Ewing as residents await a decision by the council:

"For a lot of years we really haven't addressed the problem," said Bert Steinmann, council president and chairman of the board of health. "We always wind up throwing a little water on the fire but never really put the fire out. This is an excellent opportunity to take care of a problem that's been around for years."

Officials say they have no idea how many wild cats are living in Ewing Township.

"I wouldn't even hazard a guess," said Allen Lee, township health officer. "Most of the feral cats are living in about half a dozen surreptitious colonies around the township."

The colonies are managed by volunteers who, fearing repercussions from the township, try to keep the cats' whereabouts a secret. As long as the neighbors don't complain, the colonies are largely ignored by the township, Lee said.